A NO-FEE SERVICE
STEP is a no-fee, HR service for BC construction employers and a vital part of skilled workforce planning.
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFIC
STEP works with all Industry Training Authority recognized construction trades.
ONE-ON-ONE ADVICE
STEP Regional Employment Placement Specialists (REPS) pre-screen individuals on your behalf and follow-up after placement to ensure a great match.
STEP connects employers with skilled workers.
Since 2006, the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) has connected construction employers with motivated, trained, and ready-to-work candidates.
As our industry continues to face challenges with skilled labour shortages, STEP works to make the most of a booming construction industry and an increasingly diverse talent pool to ensure BC’s dynamic legacy continues to grow.
If you’re a construction employer in British Columbia, you’re eligible for our services.
Services
14,100
Number of construction jobs in BC that will be unfilled due to labour shortages by 2033
12,000+
Number of job placements since 2006 by STEP Regional Employment Placement Specialists (REPS)
STEP has a strong, established network of experienced staff ready to connect you to your next great hire.
Not an employer? Learn how we can help if you’re a job seeker.
What is employee readiness?
Employee readiness refers to a candidate’s ability to succeed in the workplace from day one. It includes essential skills like reliability, communication, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. In the construction industry, employee readiness also means having basic safety knowledge, trade-specific competencies, and a willingness to learn.
STEP helps construction employers find job-ready apprentices by assessing and referring candidates, ensuring they are job ready with any required PPE, tools, work gear, and industry-aligned short-term safety training, and offering ongoing support once the new employee is hired. Additionally, our Regional Employment Placement Specialists (REPS) provide job seekers with soft skills training, job search coaching, resume assistance, and interview preparation, ensuring employees are ready to join the skilled trades workforce.
What is an employment program?
Put simply, an employment program is a structured initiative that helps job seekers find work by providing resources, training, and support. These programs often connect employers with suitable candidates, offer skills development, and assist with job placement. Some focus on specific industries, such as construction, while others serve particular groups, like newcomers or underrepresented workers.
Employers benefit by gaining access to pre-screened, motivated candidates ready to contribute to their workforce. STEP is a government-funded employment program that helps connect BC construction employers with new apprentices from under-represented groups, making hiring easier and more efficient while supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
What does STEP do?
The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) connects BC construction employers with motivated, ready-to-work apprentices from under-represented groups. STEP simplifies hiring by pre-screening candidates for entry-level and 1st year apprenticeship positions and offering ongoing support.
STEP’s Regional Employment Placement Specialists (REPS) work one-on-one with job seekers to provide soft skills coaching and ensure they are prepared for employment, have accurate worksite expectations, and understand the apprenticeship process. The program helps job seekers access funding for essential tools, short-term safety training, PPE, and work gear, removing financial barriers that can prevent them from starting a career in the skilled trades. This way, the Skilled Trade Employment Program helps build a diverse, job-ready workforce in British Columbia.
What is employee placement?
Employee placement is the process of matching suitable job seekers with employers who need skilled workers. It ensures businesses find the right talent while helping job seekers secure stable employment. Successful job placement considers skills, experience, and workplace culture to create a strong fit between employer and employee.
In the construction industry, this process helps companies fill labour shortages with new apprentices ready to contribute. STEP streamlines employee placement by connecting employers with motivated apprentices from under-represented groups, offering recruitment support and access to a pool of job-ready workers.
Why is coaching important in the workplace?
Coaching in the workplace helps employees develop skills, increase confidence, and improve job performance. It fosters a culture of continuous learning, boosts morale, and strengthens team collaboration. Additionally, coaching helps construction apprentices overcome challenges, adapt to new roles, and stay engaged.
It also enhances productivity and retention by ensuring employees feel valued and motivated to grow. For construction employers, coaching apprentices leads to a more skilled workforce, resulting in better business outcomes and a more productive industry.
How to become an apprenticeship employer?
To become an apprenticeship employer, start by registering as a sponsor with SkilledTradesBC. Next, define the scope of work and skills apprentices will learn on the job and ensure your company meets workplace safety and supervision requirements.
At STEP, we have a strong, established network of experienced staff ready to connect you with your next great hire. Our team provides recruitment support, and retention strategies, pre-screening top quality candidates according to your specific criteria. Get in touch today with one of our Regional Employment Specialists (REPS) to get started.
